Puppy Vaccinations
Congratulations on your new arrival – the staff of Fairmont Animal Hospital consists of highly qualified and trained personnel, who will strive to give your new puppy the best healthcare possible. A ‘well puppy visit’ includes a physical health exam, fecal analysis, nail trim, deworming, nutritional counselling and core vaccines (which consist of distemper, parvovirus, and rabies). The proper timing of these visits is key, and most puppies have their initial examination and first vaccines at eight weeks of age; we then follow through with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks of age. During your puppy’s visit with us, we will also discuss any questions or concerns you may be having regarding your new family member.
What Vaccinations do you offer to new puppies?
The following vaccines are part of the necessary wellness vaccinations that all puppies require to keep them happy and healthy.
Core Vaccines
- Distemper Complex – protects against a number of viruses that attack multiple body systems including the respiratory and central nervous systems.
- Canine Parvovirus – which is a highly contagious disease that can affect dogs in all stages of life. It can cause extreme vomiting and diarrhea which causes dehydration and in many cases death.
- Rabies – a fatal and incurable disease, which attacks the central nervous system of and infected animal.
We will also discuss non-core vaccines at these visits and help you determine if your puppy is in need of any of these important lifestyle vaccines.
Non-Core Vaccines
- Leptospirosis – is a growing concern for dog owners; is caused by bacteria and can be spread through the contaminated urine of rodents, skunks, and raccoons. The bacteria can enter through cuts in the skin and also through mucous membranes such as the nose, mouth, and eyes. Drinking from contaminated water sources is the main source of transmission.
- Bordetella – is commonly called kennel cough – it is caused by a bacterium that causes canine infectious tracheobronchitis. It is highly contagious and easily transmitted through direct contact and is a required vaccination for dogs who will be kenneled or attending doggy daycare.
- Lyme – Is an infectious tick-borne disease that can cause a myriad of different symptoms which include fever, lameness, loss of appetite and lethargy. Vaccination is recommended for dogs who live or travel to Lyme endemic areas.
How should you prepare your puppy for its first visit?
Set your puppy up for a successful vet visit. We want your puppy’s first impression of us to be a positive one – so together we wish to create a calm and gentle experience. Take a few days to get to know your puppy, allow him/her to become comfortable in their new home before scheduling your first veterinary visit. Usually, three days is ample time for them to settle in and from there a ‘well puppy’ visit can be arranged (if you have any concerns regarding the well-being of your puppy then a visit should be scheduled sooner). The settling in period will also give you a chance to observe your puppy’s response to their new surroundings and how they interact within your family setting – these observations help us get a clearer picture of your puppy’s personality and how to interact with them at their first and all future visits. If you have questions that need answering before your planned visit, please feel free to call the clinic at any time as the health of your new puppy is our priority.
